Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) in Etawah is celebrated with immense devotion, particularly at the prominent Anandi Mata temple in Purohitan Tola, where a grand floral decoration (Phool Bangla) is arranged. Devotees in Etawah observe the festival by visiting temples, offering cold food prepared the previous day to Sheetala Mata to protect against heat-related diseases.

Key Details for Sheetala Ashtami in Etawah:
Date (2026): Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Significance: Devotees worship Goddess Sheetala for health, prosperity, and protection against diseases like measles and smallpox.
Rituals: Devotees offer Basoda (pre-cooked food such as rabri, curd, and batasha) to the Goddess, typically not lighting a fire at home on this day.
Celebrations: The Anandi Mata Temple in Etawah becomes a central hub, featuring special floral decorations (Phool Bangla) and devotees singing bhajans (devotional songs).
Other Activities: Rituals often include applying haldi (turmeric) and offering water to the deity, followed by reading or listening to the Basoda Vrat Katha.